Just Do It! Put Your Pets in Your Family Portraits

The idea of including them in your family portrait session may make you feel a little apprehensive. But with a little preparation and thought, your fur baby can make your family photoshoot a memorable experience—and one that years from now you’ll be grateful to have photos of.

Choosing the Right Location

Your plans for where to take your family photos may require a little flexibility if you want to include a pet. Chances are you do not want to take your house cat or your ferret or guinea pig outside of your house—and that’s ok. While admittedly, I’ve never taken a family photo with a guinea pig in it, I have had requests for the family cat. We’ve started the session at the family’s house and took a few in the backyard with one of the kids holding their cat. It added a good deal of comedy and unexpected surprises—and that was ok! After the cat had enough of us, we drove to the nearest park for some family photos without the cat.

Your dog is likely another story and is more willing to go to a local park or another location and “pose” for their favorite treat. Consider:

• Locations they’re already familiar with
• Quieter spaces if your pet is easily overstimulated
• Open areas where your pet can settle in
• Shaded areas for warm days

The goal is to choose a place where your pet can relax and will be comfortable. (And you can relax and be comfortable.)

What to Bring for a Smooth Session

To help your pet mind their P&Qs (do people say that anymore?), bring a few essentials along:

• A simple leash and harness — neutral colors photograph beautifully, if you have one (but don’t run out to buy a new one just for a photo shoot)
• Treats for motivation and quick rewards
• A favorite toy or squeaker to grab attention
• Waste bags
• A small towel or blanket in case we encounter puddles

These little things help keep the session moving smoothly and your pet feeling secure.

Preparing Your Pet Ahead of Time

Grooming. Depending on your pet’s hair type, you may want to take your fur baby to the groomer a few days before your session. Alternatively, a good brushing could do the trick to get them photo ready.

Energy. On the day of your session, take your pup on a quality walk to help burn off energy before we meet for our session. Get them just tired enough to stand the stop and start of the session—but not tired enough to lay down mid-session for a nap.

Other Details. You know your pet best. Will they wear a cute outfit or accessory? Try it on them so they get used to it before the day of the session. Are they usually anxious? Take the steps you need to help with their anxiety.

Assistance. If you can, bringing a friend or family member is incredibly helpful. They can:

• Hold the leash when your pet isn’t in the shot.
• Help get your pet’s attention.
• Give you a moment to focus on photos of just the humans.

It’s not required, but it does make the session smoother and gives you more variety of poses.

What to Expect During the Session

Pets are wonderfully unpredictable, and that’s part of the charm. During your session, I’ll guide you through posed family portraits with your pet included, but I’ll also capture the candid moments of play and connection. If your pet is up for it, I’m happy to take individual pet portraits, too! (Just like I do with all the kids in your family.)

My approach to any photo session is relaxed and flexible, and even with your pet there, I’ll take the same approach. No rushing: just finding everyone’s comfort level and making sure your family looks natural.

Keep in mind that some of the best pictures are the ones where pets (and kids) do exactly what pets do — a curious sniff, a sudden burst of excitement, a head tilt that melts your heart. These moments add authenticity and warmth to your photos. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s capturing your family exactly as you are.